PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY COMFORTS MANY

Faith Lutheran Parish (St. John’s Lutheran Church in Champion and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cortland) began a prayer shawl ministry in 2013 at the suggestion of Sandy Kovach, who was a member of Prince of Peace. Pastor Michelle Nicodemus, who was the interim parish pastor at that time, organized the ministry as she was an avid crocheter. Since then members of both churches have gathered twice each month to use their crocheting (or knitting) skills to make lap throws for men, shawls for women, and small shawls for children. They are now also working on baby blankets for newborns.

The finished products are stored in a cupboard at each church and are available to anyone to give to a family member, neighbor, co-worker, friend, or anyone else who needs comfort and emotional support. The person giving the shawl makes the selection and then has his/her congregation bless it before it is delivered. A small cross is sewn into a corner of the item and a card is enclosed. To date over 250 gifts have been blessed and delivered.

If you would like to join this group they meet at 5:30 pm the second and fourth Wednesday-second Wednesday at Prince of Peace and the fourth Wednesday at St. John’s. You do not need to be an expert in needlework as there is always someone there to help you learn or improve your skills. If you have questions please feel free to call Rita Benoit